2018 in Review: Sitting volleyball

The 2018 Sitting Volleyball World Championships were the sport’s most important competition of the year, but they were not the only highlight.

Unstoppable Iran

Led by 2.46m tall Morteza Mehrzadselakjani, reigning Paralympic champions Iran continued with their worldwide dominance. They won the inaugural men’s Super 6 on home soil in the city of Tabriz following a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 28-26) victory over Russia* in the gold-medal match.

Mehrzadselakjani was named Allianz Athlete of the Month for July after a superb performance in the Netherlands.

Iran followed that up with gold at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Russia make history

Despite being the reigning women’s European champions, Russia were not the favourites for gold at the World Championships. World champions China and Rio 2016 gold medallists USA were the strongest on paper.